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General => The garage => Topic started by: th3_f15t on 28 December 2009, 12:24

Title: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: th3_f15t on 28 December 2009, 12:24
Ok, before I start I may have said at some stage before that stainless steel exhaust systems are worth the extra bit of cash.

But upon contemplation on the matter, I find that I am loosing the ability to justify spending £100+ more on a S/S system which, by the look of my current research, doesn't actually give many gains over a sports aluminium system.

Can anyone help me out with this, as I'm about to buy a whole new exhaust system and want to know what's the best option.

For details of what I'm currently doing, visit my project thread, that'll give you some idea of what and why I'm going on about.
Title: Re: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: Khare on 28 December 2009, 12:26
s/s usually come with lifetime warranty, and also s/s lasts longer for obvious reasons. They also sound "sportier" than mild steel systems.
Title: Re: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: th3_f15t on 28 December 2009, 12:36
That's a fair point. But I'm not planning on the Golf lasting a lifetime, it's a Mk2 that's nearly as old as myself! And it's also a daily so don't want a loud 'sporty' exhaust note.

my only realy concern is performance. Is there a massive gain with S/S or better to get a sports aluminium system (e.g. from Jetex)?
Title: Re: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: roger1234 on 28 December 2009, 12:59
The down side to a s/s exhaust is the weight, and cost.
Title: Re: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: th3_f15t on 28 December 2009, 15:19
Weight? I was under the assumption that S/S weighed less...

I know I'm contradicting myself here slightly, but I am swapping my cast iron exhaust manifold and downpipe for a S/S unit as it's better for performance and can't find a simular system in aluminium.
Title: Re: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: roger1234 on 28 December 2009, 18:11
The manifold may be lighter but not much, stainless steel is heavier than mild steel and aluminium.
Title: Re: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: th3_f15t on 28 December 2009, 18:56
Interesting... May just be a tight arse and go for a Jetex aluminium system then. It's nearly £100 cheaper! Cheers guys.
Title: Re: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: johnson6672 on 29 December 2009, 16:32
If you plan on owning the car for more than 3 years i would go stainless as a mild steel will most likely rot though in that time.
Title: Re: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: th3_f15t on 29 December 2009, 19:21
I plan to own my Golf until I can get insurance at a reasonable price for a Mk5/6 GTi. So will be about 3 years.

I get the impression Jetex is a good make to go for in an exhaust?
Title: Re: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: th3_f15t on 01 January 2010, 13:55
And also, I've seen a S/S manifold on Ebay for around £190 delivered. But looking on TSR Performance and you can get one of their's for about £260, not sure if that includes postage. What's the opinion on that?
Title: Re: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: Wayne on 01 January 2010, 15:47
I plan to own my Golf until I can get insurance at a reasonable price for a Mk5/6 GTi. So will be about 3 years.

I get the impression Jetex is a good make to go for in an exhaust?

Can recommend Jetex.
Title: Re: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 01 January 2010, 22:40
I plan to own my Golf until I can get insurance at a reasonable price for a Mk5/6 GTi. So will be about 3 years.

I get the impression Jetex is a good make to go for in an exhaust?

Can recommend Jetex.

+1
Title: Re: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: *tell* on 02 January 2010, 18:16
i have a jetex on the estate fits well  :wink:
Title: Re: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: kells on 02 January 2010, 18:53
wouldnt bother with a cheep st/st system, it will rust in no time (crap quality st/st)

also worth noting st/st is britle, so can break/crack easy, hence lifetime warranty

i would agree with johnson6672 reply personally

Title: Re: Is S/S really worth it?
Post by: th3_f15t on 02 January 2010, 22:25
Ok, so Jetex from the downpipe back is settled. But what about the manifold? TSR Performance one seems to be the better idea now, listening to all this feedback.